Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2016.

A strip club in Harrison, Michigan, has faced strong criticism from local residents after posting a controversial sign outside its establishment. The sign appeared to target newly graduated high school students by inviting them to apply for jobs as dancers. It read, “Now Hiring Class of 2016,” and also included a message saying that the club was seeking “gorgeous, confident, and talented women that can own the dance floor.” The sign made no reference to age restrictions or legal requirements, which caused an uproar among members of the community who found the message inappropriate and offensive.

The club, called Miceli’s Corner, is known in the area as a topless bar. The sign was meant to attract attention, but it quickly drew backlash both locally and online. Many residents and social media users interpreted the message as an attempt to recruit girls who had just finished high school, some of whom might still be under the legal age for working in adult entertainment. Parents and community leaders voiced concern that the sign sent the wrong message to young women, suggesting that their best career option after graduation might be to work at a strip club.

Several community members contacted local news outlets to express their disapproval. One parent commented that it was “disgusting and predatory” to direct such an advertisement toward teenagers who had just turned eighteen, while others said it was simply in poor taste. Local officials stated that although the sign was distasteful, it likely did not violate any laws since the club is a legally operating business and the message did not explicitly encourage illegal activity.

In response to the backlash, representatives of Miceli’s Corner defended the sign by saying it was intended as a joke. They claimed the wording was meant to be humorous and attract attention, not to seriously recruit recent high school graduates. However, the explanation did little to calm the outrage. Many argued that businesses, especially adult venues, should show more sensitivity when crafting public messages that are visible to families and young people in the community.

The incident sparked a broader discussion about advertising ethics and the responsibilities of adult entertainment businesses in small towns. It also reminded many residents that humor in marketing can easily cross the line when it touches sensitive topics such as age and sexuality.

The sign has gone viral on social media, often taking criticism and outrage from the local residents, saying that the sign was giving young girls a message that just wasn’t right.

Local Lisa Mulholland said the club’s sign was inappropriate and sends the wrong message to high school graduates.

She also told WNEM: “If you’re a graduate you want to go to college.”

She does admit that she herself has no issue with the club, but that the sign was just in very poor taste. “They’re good people, but I still don’t think it’s right. I don’t think it’s right at all,” Mulholland said in her interview.

Another resident, Lisa Dickerson, also agreed.

“Children fresh out of high school shouldn’t be taking their clothes off for money. I think it’s sickening,” she continues.

The club has not immediately responded to phone calls regarding the sign, but they have issued an official apology to WNEM, saying that the sign just ‘meant to be a joke.”

“In no way were we trying to offend anybody. The sign was simply a joke,” the statement said.

The club has been around since the 1970’s and offers visitors with “mild and welcoming atmosphere” where the “girls will take your mind off your daily troubles” as you listen to “the most modern music.”