Council appoints Duann Norwood to ACLU seat on Civilian Complaint Review Board

Duann Norwood, policy counsel at the ACLU of New Jersey and a resident of Newark, was introduced Wednesday morning for appointment to the city’s Civilian Complaint Review Board.

Norwood addressed the council before the appointment, saying, “I am grateful to be appointed to the ACLU NJ's seat on the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and I look forward to the opportunity to surveying, the residents of Newark.” The appointment was offered for sponsorship by Councilwoman Scott Rountree and seconded by Councilman Kelly.

The item appeared on page 47 of the meeting agenda. Council members and staff in attendance congratulated Norwood and expressed expectations that he would bring civil‑rights experience to board work.

The exchange included brief questioning about Norwood’s background. When Councilman Owen asked whether Norwood was an attorney, Norwood replied that he was: “I am a lawyer by training,” and described his education, including Harvard University and Cardozo School of Law and work in constitutional and civil‑rights law.

No opponent remarks or formal objections to the nomination were recorded during the pre‑meeting discussion. The council advanced the appointment at the pre‑meeting; council members said they looked forward to Norwood joining the board.

The council did not, during the recorded portion of the pre‑meeting, attach additional conditions to the appointment or record a roll‑call vote in the transcript excerpt provided. Follow‑up materials in the official minutes or the clerk’s office will show the formal vote and any final paperwork.