I haven’t followed this story at all. Were they just clapping normally in agreement with something someone said or were they being disruptive with their clapping?
Lux Claridge, an Emporia High School physics teacher, was arrested after clapping during the meeting. Commissioners had warned those in attendance against disruptive behavior, including clapping, snapping or rude comments. Claridge and several others clapped in support of speakers opposing the Flint Hills Digital Campus data center. After commissioners issued a final warning, Claridge continued to clap, leading to their 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,” Claridge said.
The city claims it was disruptive, but they also disallowed “snapping or rude comments”. Considering they dropped all charges with no prejudice, the city was in the wrong here.
Considering they dropped all charges with no prejudice, the city was in the wrong here.
FYI: “without prejudice” means that the city prosecutors are free to refile the charges again at a later date. Or they can file a different set of charges for the same conduct.
pretty boring regular clapping. by the way, the speaker he clapped for right before getting arrested: his wife. literally applauding his wife for speaking up at town meeting.
they probably asked everyone to remain completely silent and had setup"rules" for applause between speakers… knowing that 1) they don’t want people to get riled up 2) it gives them pretense to remove people who say literally anything when not standing at the podium.
I haven’t followed this story at all. Were they just clapping normally in agreement with something someone said or were they being disruptive with their clapping?
Holding some for 8 hours for disruptive clapping would also be ridiculous.
The city claims it was disruptive, but they also disallowed “snapping or rude comments”. Considering they dropped all charges with no prejudice, the city was in the wrong here.
FYI: “without prejudice” means that the city prosecutors are free to refile the charges again at a later date. Or they can file a different set of charges for the same conduct.
Well that seems like a clear violation of free speech
I don’t have a direct link to a file but here’s a clip on a regional (Nebraska) news affiliate:
https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2026/07/27/teacher-arrested-repeatedly-clapping-favor-data-center-opponents-during-city-commission-meeting/
pretty boring regular clapping. by the way, the speaker he clapped for right before getting arrested: his wife. literally applauding his wife for speaking up at town meeting.
they probably asked everyone to remain completely silent and had setup"rules" for applause between speakers… knowing that 1) they don’t want people to get riled up 2) it gives them pretense to remove people who say literally anything when not standing at the podium.
Man claps for his wife and gets arrested. That’s true love.
In the cause against earth-destroying data centers, no less.
This physics teacher is a hero.
I imagine he’ll receive deep respect and endless accolades from staff, students, and the community at large.