Students hit school administrator with wet towels

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - UPDATE: NewsChannel 15 set out Thursday, February 9 to get the school district's thoughts on this story and video. But, after the FWCS spokesperson agreed to do an interview, the district changed its mind and told her she couldn't. We will continue to follow up and update this story if school leaders decide to comment on the incident.

A student at North Side High was recording when other students repeatedly hit a school administrator in the back of the head with wet towels. The administrator planned the whole thing to raise money for a good cause, but at least one teen said the event went too far.

Javon Witherspoon doles out the discipline at North Side High School. He came up with an idea to raise money for an organization he believes helps students.

"It's something crazy, thinking outside the box," Witherspoon said of his plan to allow students to pay one dollar to snap five wet towels against the back of his head.

The stunt was designed to raise money for the school's local chapter of Student African American Brotherhood. SAAB is a national organization that helps minority students by mentoring them and providing resources for college and internships. Witherspoon says it's the only thing like it in Fort Wayne.

And even though he did it to help his students, he admits there was mixed reaction from teachers. "They said, 'It's crazy what you're doing,' but man, they remember SAAB. They remember that we're trying to help children of color who might not have the opportunity to meet business leaders, to meet a professor from college."

One student who didn't want to be identified sent  the video to NewsChannel 15 using Report!t after he witnessed the event, saying he disagreed with the whole concept. "I feel that this was too violent for school. They want us not to bully and beat each other but they're also saying hitting people is all right."

Witherspoon said he didn't intend for this fundraiser to promote violence, but instead hopes it shines light on a program that will help students who are less fortunate find a future.

"I can get hit by a wet towel in the back of the head," explained Witherspoon. "It's not going to hurt that long, but if this is going to help a kid get to the next level, I'll do it."

Witherspoon said he raised a couple hundred dollars that will go toward helping the 25 students in the program buy suits and ties for their upcoming black tie event.

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