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An overflow crowd voiced their opinions at a meeting Thursday evening, both for and against the decision. Some saw it as part of a broader campaign for civil rights, while others said the issue was simply a legal one.

"As a constitutional lawyer and as someone who cares about the rule of law in the state of Texas, we want to make sure that the school district does the right thing and we don't have elected officials subverting the will of the people in disregarding the Texas Constitution," Jonathan Saenz with Texas Values said.

Meg Barnhouse with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin said the meeting was historic in nature.

"Word for word, you're saying the same things about how it'll upset the community, how it destroys the fabric of society, how it's not biblical,” she said. “Those things were all said about segregation in the 60s at school board meetings just like this one."

Board members have said they didn't believe anyone would have a problem with the change. Legally, the board doesn't have to consider public feedback on employment benefits.

The change goes into effect Jan. 1.