Teacher arrested for repeatedly clapping in favor of data center opponents during city commission meeting

EMPORIA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) — A 37-year-old teacher was released from a Kansas jail after posting bail following his arrest at a city meeting where zoning changes for a proposed data center project were passed.

Lux Claridge, an Emporia High School physics teacher, was arrested for interference with law enforcement after clapping during the meeting.

Commissioners warned those in attendance against disruptive behavior, including clapping, snapping or rude comments.

Lux Claridge and several others clapped in support of speakers opposing the Flint Hills Digital Campus data center.

After commissioners issued a final warning, Lux Claridge continued to clap, leading to his arrest.

“I’m glad to be out, but this is an inconvenience, really. It’s not really deterring me from speaking out or I guess, clapping,” Lux Claridge said.

Family and friends react

Lux Claridge’s wife, Jessica Danford, was present at the meeting when her husband was removed.

“Seeing them carried out like that was a lot to handle,” Danford said.

Friend Caleb Rankin said the arrest came as a shock.

“Out of all the people that I knew, them getting arrested, I thought someone used a different name or something,” Rankin said.

Lux Claridge’s brother, David Claridge, said he believes the arrest will not hold up legally. He is exploring options to pursue a recall of city officials.

“This isn’t going to hold up in court. Lux is going to fight them on that. I’m looking at avenues to get these people recalled. This is insane to me,” David Claridge said.

Community concern

One community member at the meeting said the arrest has left residents uneasy.

“We are citizens of this community. We have a right to do our constitutionally-protected activities, which is exactly what they’re violating at this time as well,” the community member said. “I think we’re all in a state of fear because of what this government’s doing to us.”

City diverts questions to police

The city of Emporia directed all questions and comments about the incident to the Emporia Police Department.

In a statement, the agency said, “The Emporia Police Department 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.”

Lux Claridge said he plans to plead not guilty when he appears in court in September.