A Kansas high school teacher was removed by police after repeatedly clapping in opposition to a proposed data center during a city zoning meeting. The incident occurred on July 22 at the Emporia City Commission meeting, where residents voiced concerns about the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a large-scale data center project planned for a 1,000-acre site.

Lux Claridge, 37, a physics teacher at Emporia High School, was among approximately a dozen community members opposing the development. According to local law enforcement, several attendees received verbal warnings for disruptive behavior, including frequent clapping that interrupted the meeting’s proceedings.

After a speaker concluded her remarks, some audience members responded with silent applause using jazz hands. Claridge, however, engaged in audible clapping. Mayor Becky Smith called for order, describing the behavior as “rude and disruptive,” and asked law enforcement to intervene. Claridge reportedly resisted police instructions and was physically removed from the room by three officers. The episode left his wife visibly emotional at the podium.

The data center project has sparked considerable debate among Emporia residents, with opponents raising concerns about its environmental impact and scale. Supporters argue it will bring economic development and job opportunities to the area. The commission meeting’s tense atmosphere reflected the deep divisions surrounding the initiative.

Authorities and city officials have not indicated whether Claridge will face charges related to his removal. The city commission is expected to continue discussions on the project in upcoming sessions, as public input remains a contentious aspect of the review process.