A physics teacher in Emporia, Kansas, was arrested and removed from a public meeting last Wednesday after clapping in support of a speaker who was speaking out against a proposed data center. Lux Claridge, 37, was asked to leave the Emporia City Commission meeting after applauding a statement opposing the Flint Hills Digital Campus proposal.
According to police, officers physically removed Claridge from the room because he “did not comply with law enforcement’s efforts to remove him from the premises.” The Emporia Police Department stated it is committed to ensuring public meetings are conducted safely and orderly while respecting citizens’ rights. Commissioners had previously warned attendees against disrupting the meeting with clapping, snapping, or rude comments.
Claridge, who was booked into the Lyon County Jail on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct, stated that he was “a little banged up” following the incident. He was released on bond later that evening. He told the Lyon County Observer that he did not believe he was disrupting the meeting, as it was a period of transition. Claridge added that his actions were about “making sure our voices are heard.”
During his removal, the next scheduled speaker became emotional and revealed she was Claridge’s significant other, Jessica Danford. She asked officials not to harm Claridge as the crowd called for him to be allowed to stay, leading to the meeting devolving into chaos.
Danford later told KWCH that seeing Claridge carried out was difficult to handle. Claridge’s brother, David, who is running for the Kansas House of Representatives, posted on Facebook that the charges were “unlawful and egregious” and represented an “unjustified infringement on free expression” and “authoritarian behavior.” He claimed he was seated in front of Claridge and could not even hear the applause.
The Flint Hills Digital Campus proposal has been under discussion for approximately eight months. Claridge, in a Facebook post, indicated he was prepared to continue his activism, writing, “I’m ready to clap extra hard, once the wrist heals.” He also thanked his community for helping to raise his bail money.