The construction of massive data centers is becoming a very hot topic in communities across the nation. Many residents don't favor them for several reasons. No less a star than Willie Nelson weighed in against them in a heated social media post days ago. What is certain is that data centers and their harsh critics are not going away anytime soon. Feelings are running high about the subject. In fact, a high school teacher in Kansas found himself at odds with the law when he reportedly kept clapping at a city meeting. That teacher, Lux Claridge, allegedly was indicating his negative opinion of the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus data center there.
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The Emporia Police Posted About the Incident
In a
Facebook post dated July 22, the Emporia, Kansas, Police Department explained the circumstances surrounding this incident. It states, "On July 22, 2026, the Emporia City Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting. During the course of the meeting, several individuals in attendance were issued verbal warnings by the City Commission regarding disruptive conduct that was interrupting the proceedings."Furthermore, "One individual, Lux Claridge, male, 37 years of age, continued this behavior and was directed to leave the meeting. Claridge did not comply with law enforcement's efforts to remove him from the premises, requiring officers to physically carry him out of the meeting. Claridge was subsequently arrested and booked into the Lyon County Jail on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct. As with all criminal charges, Claridge is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
The post ended with this assurance. "The Emporia Police Department remains committed to ensuring public meetings are conducted safely and in an orderly manner, while also respecting the rights of all citizens to participate in the civic process."
The Proposed Data Center Is Mammoth
According to the New York Post, the data center under discussion at that meeting is epic in size. The outlet describes it as a "1,000-acre, gigawatt-scale project..." that drew thumbs-down feedback from some citizens who were at the meeting.
Police Stepped in To Deal With Claridge
Lux Claridge's repeated clapping evidently caused Mayor Becky Smith to ask police to intervene. The officers allegedly "surrounded Claridge." They reportedly ordered him to get out of the room. He said to them, "Hi, I'd like to speak. I have a right to clap." He then also allegedly said "drag me out."
Per the Post, because Claridge did not cooperate, he was then carried out by the officers. His wife stood by, "stunned." He was arrested and jailed "on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct."
Per KWCH, Claridge posted bail and was released from jail. He said, "I'm glad to be out — but this is an inconvenience, really. It's not really deterring me from speaking out or I guess, clapping." Additionally, per the outlet, Claridge reportedly intends to enter a not guilty plea in September in court.
