Emporia Police Department arrested teacher for clapping in support of data center opponents at city commission meeting

On July 22, 2026, Emporia, Kansas police arrested and charged physics teacher Lux Claridge with interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct after Claridge repeatedly clapped in support of data-center opponents at an Emporia City Commission meeting. The meeting had been called to consider zoning changes clearing the way for the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus data center, and commissioners warned the large, overflow crowd before public comment began that disruptive behavior — including clapping, snapping, or rude comments — would not be tolerated. Claridge, a 37-year-old teacher at Emporia High School, continued clapping after a final warning and was directed to leave; when Claridge did not comply, Emporia police officers physically carried Claridge out of the meeting and arrested them.

The Emporia Police Department booked Claridge into the Lyon County Jail on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct. In a statement, the department said it "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." Claridge was released after posting bail and said the arrest would not deter them from speaking out or clapping. Claridge's brother said he did not believe the charges would hold up in court and was exploring a recall effort against city officials; a community member at the meeting said the arrest violated residents' constitutionally protected right to participate in the civic process.

Claridge is scheduled to appear in court in September and has said they plan to plead not guilty. The commission separately voted 5-0 that same evening to approve the zoning and water-service measures the data center project needs to advance, while stating no data center itself had been approved.