AUSTIN, Texas – After some pressure from teachers, the State Board of Education is voting on whether to make controversial changes to the social studies curriculum.

Tuesday, dozens of people went before the board to ask for changes to the way social studies are taught in public schools. 

From slavery to the Alamo, both liberal and conservative groups have voiced concerns. Outside the boardroom protesters held signs that read 'Educate! Don't Indoctrinate." 

"What our students need is truth," said one board member in favor of major revisions.  

Many opposing the current curriculum say the board is attempting to "white-wash" the role of slavery in causing the Civil War, and "glorify confederate heroes." The liberal Texas Freedom Network is pushing for the board to emphasize slavery as the central cause of the Civil War. The curriculum standards include states’ rights and sectionalism as other reasons for the war.

"They claim that Moses, yes, that Moses from the Bible, was a major influence on our Nation's founding," said Carisa Lopez with Texas Freedom Network.  

The group is pushing to exclude such language, but inside the board room, Republican member Pat Hardy expressed her approval of biblical references. 

"I'm comfortable having Moses in there, the way this is phrased, the principles in laws and government institution informed the American founding documents including those of Moses," said Hardy.  

Another battle over the Alamo is looming as conservatives outraged about striking the word "heroic" when referencing Alamo defenders. A member of the working group tasked with making the recommendations defended the decision, though. 

"The recommendation to remove the Travis Letter was made because the specific reference was repetitive and unnecessary, since it's impossible to teach about the siege of the Alamo without teaching about the letter and its contents," said the working group member.  

There are curriculum grievances coming from both sides of the aisle with the board considering changes that could affect 5.4 million Texas students.