Kansas high school teacher dragged out, arrested for clapping at city meeting over proposed data center
A Kansas high school teacher, Lux Claridge, was arrested for clapping in opposition to the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus data center during an Emporia City Commission meeting. The City Commission approved the project's proposal despite the public outcry and Claridge's arrest. Claridge and family are considering legal action against city hall, claiming an infringement on free expression.
Lux Claridge, a 37-year-old physics teacher at Emporia High School, was arrested and physically removed from an Emporia City Commission meeting on July 22 for continuously clapping in opposition to the controversial Flint Hills Digital Campus data center. Mayor Becky Smith reportedly called for police action after Claridge clapped multiple times, following prior warnings against disruptive conduct during public comments. Officers detained Claridge, who resisted and was subsequently carried out and booked into the Lyon County Jail on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
After being released on bail, Claridge stated that the arrest would not deter them from speaking out. Claridge's brother, David Claridge, publicly criticized the arrest as an "unjustified infringement on free expression" and indicated that the family was exploring legal options against city hall, as well as potential recalls of commission members. Other Emporia residents present at the meeting also voiced fears regarding their constitutional rights and the government's actions.
Despite the contentious meeting and active public opposition, the Emporia City Commission ultimately passed the proposal for the 1,000-acre, gigawatt-scale data center project, allowing it to proceed to the next stage of development. The Emporia Police Department defended the officers' actions, stating their commitment to ensuring orderly public meetings while respecting citizens' rights.