Kansas teacher arrested for clapping at data center hearing

A high school physics teacher was arrested and forcibly removed from a public meeting in Emporia, Kansas, last week after clapping in support of a speaker opposing a large data center project, an incident that has ignited a national debate over free speech and local governance. Lux Claridge, 37, was handcuffed and carried out of the Emporia City Commission meeting on July 22, following multiple warnings from officials that applause and other demonstrations would not be tolerated.

The meeting was convened to consider zoning changes for the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a 1,000-acre, gigawatt-scale data center that has divided the community. Before public comments began, commissioners warned attendees that clapping, snapping, and disruptive behavior would result in removal. After one speaker concluded remarks opposing the project, Claridge applauded approximately five times. The presiding officer then instructed Police Chief Ed Owens to remove the next person who clapped.

When officers approached, Claridge objected, stating he had a right to applaud and told them they would have to drag him out. Police then handcuffed him and carried him from the chamber. He was booked into...