In Emporia, Kansas, a high school physics teacher was handcuffed and taken to jail for clapping.

Not for shouting.

Not for threatening anyone.

For clapping.

On July 27, 2026, Lux Claridge attended an Emporia city commission meeting to oppose the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a proposed data center project. When commissioners approved zoning changes to allow it, audience members — including Claridge — clapped in support of speakers who shared their concerns. Commissioners warned against applause, and when Claridge continued, he was arrested for "interference with law enforcement" and taken to jail.

This is not a partisan issue. The right to attend a public meeting and express yourself — even by clapping — is a cornerstone of American democracy. When a government can arrest a citizen for applauding at a city hall, every one of us loses something. As one Emporia resident put it: "We are citizens of this community. We have a right to do our constitutionally-protected activities."

Lux Claridge has said the arrest won't stop him from speaking out. His brother David is already exploring a recall of the officials responsible. But none of them should have to fight this battle alone.

Sign this petition to demand that charges against Lux Claridge be dropped immediately — and to send a message that chilling free expression at public meetings is unacceptable, in Emporia or anywhere.