At a Kansas data center meeting, a teacher clapped six times, then officers dragged him out
A high school physics teacher was arrested and dragged out of an Emporia City Commission meeting in Kansas for clapping in opposition to a proposed 1,000-acre hyperscale data center called the Flint Hills Digital Campus. The incident occurred during a meeting where commissioners approved the annexation of land for the project. Public pressure is keeping the story in the public eye, with residents asserting their constitutional rights to dissent.
At a recent Emporia City Commission meeting in Lyon County, Kansas, high school physics teacher Lux Claridge was arrested and forcefully removed by police officers for clapping six times during public comment. The meeting focused on the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a planned 1,000-acre hyperscale data center, which was the subject of a data-center zoning discussion. Commissioner Monica Duncan had previously warned attendees against clapping or making rude comments.
Claridge applauded after a speaker asserted, "We are the people, and the table belongs to us." An unidentified commissioner then asked the police chief to remove the next person who clapped. Despite Claridge's actions not being directly negative toward the speaker, he was handcuffed by four officers and removed after telling them to "drag me out."
Commissioners in Emporia approved the annexation of more than 1,000 acres for the data center project a day after its announcement. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with video footage and follow-up interviews circulating. Claridge's brother, David Claridge, has indicated he is exploring options to recall city officials, and local residents have voiced concerns about constitutional rights being violated.
Data centers, while bringing potential construction jobs and tax revenue, also raise concerns about noise, air pollution, and disruption to local communities. Claridge stated that the arrest would not deter him from continuing to speak out or clap in future public forums. The incident highlights ongoing public opposition to the development.