Clarinetist Sues Knoxville Symphony Over Alleged Hiring Discrimination

Musician claims he was denied job due to opposition to DEI initiatives

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

James Zimmermann, a renowned clarinetist, has filed a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, accusing them of refusing to hire him based on his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Zimmermann claims he won a blind audition for the principal clarinet position in September 2025, but the opportunity was later rescinded after the orchestra learned of his previous DEI battle with the Nashville Symphony.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the role of DEI policies in the classical music industry. Zimmermann argues that orchestras are discriminating against white male musicians in the name of diversity, while the Knoxville Symphony cites "legitimate safety concerns" related to Zimmermann's past issues at the Nashville Symphony.

The details

According to the lawsuit, after Zimmermann advanced through the screened audition process, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra personnel manager Mark Tucker informed him he had won the position and would soon be "on the payroll." However, a few days later, Knoxville Symphony CEO Rachel Ford called Zimmermann and said the orchestra had decided not to move forward with hiring him due to "a number of items" that had come to their attention regarding his previous employment with the Nashville Symphony.

  • In September 2025, Zimmermann won a blind audition for the principal clarinet position with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
  • On September 17, 2025, Zimmermann was told he had won the position and would soon be on the payroll.
  • On September 18, 2025, Zimmermann received a call from the Knoxville Symphony CEO informing him they would not be hiring him.

The players

James Zimmermann

A renowned clarinetist who filed a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, claiming he was denied a job due to his opposition to DEI initiatives.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

A professional orchestra based in Knoxville, Tennessee that receives local and state taxpayer funding.

Rachel Ford

The CEO of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra who informed Zimmermann they would not be hiring him.

Mark Tucker

The personnel manager of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra who initially told Zimmermann he had won the principal clarinet position.

Coolidge Reagan Foundation

A conservative nonprofit organization that is supporting Zimmermann's lawsuit and has launched a mobile billboard campaign to highlight his case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This whole scenario is much bigger than just me and this one little job in Knoxville. It's the demoralization that every white guy feels that, 'Hey, these orchestras don't want me.' They have openly stated, 'We need our orchestras to be more diverse.' All that means is they want fewer white guys in the orchestra. It's very obvious.”

— James Zimmermann, Clarinetist (The Daily Wire)

“I'm just glad Coolidge Reagan is able to be there and keep the pressure on and make sure that everybody knows that when you set foot in Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, you're not listening to the best music you could get, you're listening to the wokest music you can get.”

— Dan Backer, President of the Coolidge Reagan Foundation (The Daily Wire)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the classical music industry, with some musicians arguing that these initiatives are leading to discrimination against white male musicians.