Kansas teacher arrested for clapping at AI data center hearing
A Kansas high school physics teacher was arrested and carried out of an Emporia city commission meeting after applauding opponents of a proposed 1,000-acre AI data center.
Lux Claridge, a physics teacher at Emporia High School, was arrested and handcuffed during an Emporia city commission meeting after applauding several speakers who opposed the proposed 1,000-acre Flint Hills Digital Campus.
City commissioners had warned attendees that clapping, snapping and other demonstrations would be treated as disruptions. Officers issued a final warning before removing Claridge; police carried him out as the meeting continued during a debate over zoning changes for the project.
Claridge was charged, posted bail and is scheduled to appear in municipal court in September. He intends to plead not guilty.
Claridge posted bail and described being relieved but undeterred: “I’m glad to be out-but this is an inconvenience, really.” His brother, David Claridge, called for recalls of local officials and predicted the case would not hold up in court, saying the family will contest the charges.
The Emporia city commission approved the zoning changes needed for the project. The Emporia Police Department issued a statement that it seeks to ensure public meetings are conducted safely while respecting residents’ rights to participate in the civic process.
The planned Flint Hills Digital Campus would cover about 1,000 acres. Local residents have raised concerns about electricity consumption, water use, noise and tax incentives tied to large data centers. Developers say such facilities are needed to support artificial intelligence services and broader digital infrastructure.
The arrest comes amid growing local opposition to AI data centers across the United States. Organizers have held coordinated demonstrations in many states calling for more transparency in approval processes, stronger protections for water and energy resources, community benefits and greater accountability from developers. Some state lawmakers have approved temporary pauses on large AI data center construction while officials study local impacts. Recent polling indicates a small share of Americans would support an AI data center in their own community.
Claridge’s case will proceed in municipal court in September, where he plans to contest the charges.
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