Teacher arrested for clapping in support of the opposition at an AI data center meeting — gigawatt-scale project approved despite community resistance

A Kansas teacher was arrested at a public meeting after clapping in support of an opponent of a proposed AI data center.

Police charged Lux Claridge with disorderly conduct and interference with law enforcement; he was later released on bail and awaits a hearing.

The meeting was part of local debate over the Flint Hills Digital Campus project in Emporia, where residents raised concerns about power and water use.

Despite community objections, city commissioners approved the zoning changes needed for the data center project to continue through permitting.