For Once, Courtney Might be Right

Courtney dropped many a bomb on Survivor: China this season, but the one that struck a chord with most people was her zinger about Denise…"Are you kidding me? This isn’t, like, welfare. Like, she doesn’t
deserve it just ’cause, you know, she sucks at life. [pause] I’m the
biggest bitch on the planet."

During the finale, I cried for Denise. I cried (yes, i did. so did you, admit it) for her that she came back from China and expected to go back to being a mulleted lunch lady but instead was removed from her position because her fame was too distracting to the kids.  Instead of spooning mystery meat, Denise was now forced to clean toilets. I cried when Mark Burnett gave Denise $50,000 to get back on her feet.

and once again, i’m crying again.

i’ve – and so have many other Survivor fans – been duped.

because Denise lied.

Nancy Lane, Superintendent of the Douglas Public School, released the following statement:

On the “Survivor China” television program that aired on December 16, 2007, Mrs. Denise Martin, an employee of the
Douglas Public Schools, stated that she was demoted from her position
as a cafeteria worker upon her return from taping the show. This
statement is false. In fact, Mrs. Martin held a full-time position as a
custodian prior to her participation in the series, and she returned to
this same position upon her return from China. Mrs. Martin was granted
– at her request – an unpaid leave of absence so that she could
participate in the “Survivor” program. We were pleased and excited to
support Denise, and have enthusiastically cheered her on throughout the
duration of the show.

Although Mrs. Martin was a cafeteria employee prior to her selection
as a contestant, she asked to be considered for a promotion to
full-time custodian, and was promoted to this
position on March 30, 2007. This promotion came with additional
benefits and a higher salary. Following her leave, she then returned to
this same position.

Regretfully, the Douglas Public School District was inaccurately
portrayed as failing to be accommodating to an employee during what the
District viewed as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. This is far from
the case. On the contrary, we granted all requests made by Mrs. Martin
so that she could participate in the “Survivor” series. Since Mrs.
Martin was on an approved leave, her position was held open for her,
and she returned to this same position upon her return from China. As a
District, we make every effort to support our employees, and will
continue to do so.

Nancy T. Lane
Superintendent of Schools