Hundreds of clerics from Al-Azhar congregated on the Al-Azhar Mosque on 26 April 2011 to demand more independence for their institution and a touch of democracy in it. They chanted slogans against State control of Al-Azhar, and called on the government to give them financial independence. The clerics argue that the policies of the former regime sought to weaken Al-Azhar. They also demand the Grand Sheikh to be chosen by a committee of the top leaders of Al-Azhar, changes in curricula in schools and colleges affiliated with the institution, more investment in the institution, and higher salaries for the preachers.