Richmond Hill High School students will have the opportunity to participate in a worldwide school walkout March 14 aimed at promoting student safety.

According to an email from Principal Debi McNeal, Richmond Hill students can choose to take part in a "sit in" rather than leave the building.

"Last week, RHHS administrators met with Student Council," the email reads. "Together, we have agreed that RHHS students will have the opportunity to participate in a 'sit in' on this day at 10 a.m."

Organizers have asked students, faculty and supporters to participate in the walkout at 10 a.m. Wednesday across each time zone worldwide. The event is supposed to last 17 minutes in honor of the 17 victims killed Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

McNeal said Richmond Hill students wanting to participate will leave their classrooms at 10 a.m. Wednesday and sit quietly in the adjoining hallway for 17 minutes. 

Several schools are using this type of alternative out of concerns for student safety by keeping associated activities inside school buildings.

"All students will be given the option to participate, but no one is required to participate," McNeal said in the email. "Students not wanting to participate will simply remain in class."

Those who do take part will be given a piece of paper on which to write why they are doing so.

"Student Council plans to use these 'whys' to create a banner to send to Marjory Stoneman Douglas as a sign of our support," McNeal said. "MSD is displaying banners received so that their students can appreciate all of the support being shared with them from across the country."

Bryan County High School Principal David Tucker said there has been no request at the school by students wanting to take part in Wednesday's demonstration, but administrators there have a contingency plan in place should they receive such a request.