We are republishing this story, which originally made headlines in September 2017. A Dairy Queen restaurant located in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, became widely discussed after a sign displayed in its window described the establishment as “politically incorrect.” The sign explained that the staff at this Dairy Queen greet customers by saying “Merry Christmas,” offer the phrase “God Bless America,” openly support the troops, and provide free sundaes to veterans on Veterans Day as a gesture of appreciation.
Kevin Scheunemann, the owner of this Dairy Queen, shared that he put up the sign several years ago following a customer complaint about Christian music playing in the store. Since then, he has not experienced any significant problems related to the sign. Scheunemann views the sign as a clear statement that reflects the personal values and beliefs of his staff, aiming for transparency with customers.
Recently, the sign gained renewed attention after a visitor from Oregon took a photo of it and posted it on Facebook. This social media post sparked a lively debate online about whether the sign promotes an exclusive environment or if it is simply an expression of free speech. Some critics argued that the message could be seen as alienating to certain groups, while others, including several local business owners, defended it as a rightful expression of personal and cultural values.
In response, Dairy Queen’s corporate office issued a statement clarifying that the sign represents only the views of the individual franchise owner and does not reflect the official stance or branding of Dairy Queen as a company. They emphasized that all customers are welcome and deserve respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.
This incident highlights ongoing conversations in society about balancing freedom of expression with inclusivity and respect in public spaces.
