A recent incident at a car dealership in Oak Creek has ignited a wave of public concern and calls for accountability. Makayla Starks, a resident of West Allis, encountered an alarming experience during what was supposed to be a routine oil change at the Kunes Buick GMC dealership. Upon returning her vehicle, she discovered a racial slur typed on her service sticker. This event has led to demonstrations and demands for transparency from the dealership.

The incident occurred in January when Starks took her vehicle for maintenance. Instead of a simple service, she found herself confronted with a hateful message. Initially, the dealership staff attempted to downplay the severity by claiming that a technician had left a tool in her car. However, it soon became clear that this was an attempt to cover up the true nature of the incident. Starks felt betrayed and unsafe, prompting her to take action.

On a Saturday afternoon, Starks returned to the dealership accompanied by over a dozen supporters. They chanted slogans advocating for dignity and respect for all customers. The demonstrators held signs emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Starks expressed her desire to raise awareness so that others could make informed decisions before patronizing the dealership.

Starks' fiancé, Joey Koepp, voiced his disappointment in the situation. He lamented the persistence of such incidents in 2025 and regretted choosing Kunes for their automotive services. The couple, along with their attorney William Sulton, believes that the dealership's response has been inadequate. They are calling for more transparency, including the disclosure of all employees involved in servicing the vehicle and addressing the false claims about a tool being left behind.

Kunes Buick GMC issued a statement expressing deep distress over the incident. They emphasized that immediate action was taken, resulting in the termination of the employee responsible within two days. The dealership also acknowledged that they did not instruct or direct the employee to visit Starks' home but recognized that he might have acted independently. Despite these measures, Starks and her legal team remain unsatisfied, insisting that firing one individual does not address the root cause of the problem.

In response to the criticism, Kunes has committed to taking further steps. They plan to enhance employee training and education to ensure exemplary service and uphold their corporate values. The dealership has also offered Starks credits for future services at other locations and promised a thorough internal investigation to identify any additional parties involved. They are determined to hold accountable anyone who participated in or attempted to cover up the wrongdoing.

Ultimately, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in combating racism and discrimination. It underscores the need for businesses to adopt proactive measures and demonstrate genuine commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments for all customers. Starks hopes that her actions will lead to meaningful change and prevent similar occurrences in the future.