WASHINGTON -- Some faculty and staff have joined students at a growing protest at Gallaudet University over the appointment of a new president for the school.

Jane Fernandes was introduced Monday as the person who will take over as the school's ninth president in January, but her appointment was immediately met with student protests.

Should Students Help Pick Their School's President?

About 1,000 people rallied at the campus Wednesday, and some pledged to stay all night. And about 1,200 alumni have signed an online petition.

Protesters complain they were shut out of the presidential search process. Many of the differences protesters have with Fernandes center on personality conflicts.

Fernandes had served as the school's provost.

Protesters handed over a letter outlining their grievances to current President I. King Jordan. He said he would forward it to the board of trustees.

However others said not everyone shares the complaints against Fernandes.