AI Data Center Protest
Students at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater protested on September 4, 2026, against a proposed AI data center. Protesters expressed concerns about environmental destruction, water usage, and the general impact of data centers and AI. Signs displayed messages like "DATA CENTERS ARE DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT" and "YOU CAN'T DRINK DATA."
On September 4, 2026, students at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, staged a protest against a proposed AI data center at the Student Union. The demonstration involved several students, including Elijah Grass, Alberto Vargas, Jaden Waters, Brayden Robinson, Caroline Winters, August Ross, Nathan Sogge, and Justice Dilbeck, who held various signs to convey their opposition.
Protest signs highlighted concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, with messages such as "A DATA CENTER IS COMING HERE," "DATA CENTERS ARE DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT," and "YOU CAN'T DRINK DATA." Other signs broadly condemned AI and data collection, stating "AI HURTS EVERYONE," "AI KILLS," "We don't need AI where creativity THRIVES," "SAY NO TO DATA CENTERS," and "STOP DATA COLLECTION." One sign also specifically referenced "Palantir wants your Ice **** Pic."
The protest underscored strong student opposition to the development of AI data centers, citing perceived negative effects on the environment and the community.