OBCL Alumnus Matt McReynolds (’99B) was a home-schooled kid in Georgia who dreamed of practicing law. He fought through the challenge of being legally blind and the adjustment of moving to California to become a leader in defending constitutional rights in court and the press. Such noted outlets as the Associated Press, BBC, Radio Free Europe, ABC, NBC, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times have used content from Matt, and he continues to write and interview with other outlets and periodicals around the world. Many of us remember Matt from law school when he was listed on the OBCL prayer chain for medical issues related to his eyesight. Ultimately, Matt was declared legally blind, but that never stopped him from making an impact in the practice of law with his characteristic cheerfulness and competence. Matt won the prestigious Pew Writing Award from Alliance Defending Freedom during law school. That ultimately helped propel him to a job defending religious freedom and free speech with the Pacific Justice Institute based in Sacramento, California. Matt has become a mainstay in the First Amendment legal community with his experience in fighting for everything from the right to witness in public places to senior citizens’ ability to hold worship services in their senior living communities. During COVID-19, Matt was often a source for pastors and other faith community members to navigate regulations. He recently sat down with Laura Barth and shared some of his favorite stories, including that of a young Catching Up with Matt McReynolds
public school boy who wanted to clothe the homeless. The school district tried to shut down his project because he quoted Jesus in his flyer promoting the project: “Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Pacific Justice Institute helped the boy continue his project without jeopardizing his ability to live his faith openly. For those of us who knew him in law school, Matt remains willing to give good advice, a kind word and help to those in need. To the friends and clients who have known him since those days, he hasn’t changed. And to those who follow his court cases and many articles, he continues to impact the lives of ordinary citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional rights.
Matt, his wife Sarah, and their son live in the Sacramento area. You can learn more about what he does at Pacific Justice Institute at PacificJustice.org.
Early snowfall in Yosemite. To see more stunning views, check out alumnus Gabe Waddell on Instagram at @gabe.waddell . PHOTO FEATURE
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