State Department Reinstates Times New Roman as Official Font
The Biden administration’s font policy has been rolled back, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio mandating that all official documents revert to Times New Roman 14-point font. The shift aims to reinforce a sense of uniformity and professionalism across the department’s communications.
Why It Matters
This decision raises concerns about accessibility as the previous measure aimed to assist readers with disabilities by using Calibri, a font considered to be easier to read. Critics argue that the reversal could impede efforts to make communications more accessible for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
Key Developments
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed the use of Times New Roman 14-point font across all official State Department documents, effective Wednesday.
- The announcement reverses a font change made under former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which was intended to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- Rubio described the previous font shift as a misguided attempt at promoting diversity, stating that it did not significantly improve accessibility issues.
- The State Department’s statement emphasized that consistent formatting enhances credibility and maintains a unified departmental identity.
Full Report
The Transition Back to Times New Roman
Under the recent directive from Secretary Rubio, the State Department has shifted from the sans-serif Calibri font back to Times New Roman, which had been the department’s official typeface for nearly two decades before the 2023 change. Rubio’s memo highlighted a focus on aesthetics and professionalism, underlining the belief that a serif font conveys a more formal demeanor suitable for diplomatic communications.
Accessibility Concerns
Critics of the font switch have raised alarms about accessibility. Font specialist Kristen Shinohara noted that serif fonts like Times New Roman may pose reading challenges, particularly for those with conditions such as dyslexia or low vision. The Americans with Disabilities Act promotes using sans-serif fonts in various contexts due to their legibility, which raises questions about the true impact of this reversal on accessibility.
Political Context
Rubio’s cable to U.S. embassies and consulates framed the 2023 switch to Calibri as a “wasteful DEIA program.” The memo reflects a broader agenda seen throughout the Trump administration, which seeks to diminish DEI initiatives across federal agencies. Previous efforts by the administration have included the abolishment of inclusive offices and initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and equity.
Additionally, the Trump administration’s focus on aesthetics is evident from various initiatives, including the redesign of the Oval Office and plans for new federal buildings emphasizing traditional architectural styles.
Context & Previous Events
Times New Roman served as the State Department’s official font from 2004 until its replacement with Calibri in 2023 under former Secretary Antony Blinken. The shift aimed to improve document accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Since taking office, Secretary Rubio has consistently contested the Biden administration’s focus on DEI, indicating a robust ideological shift in policy direction. The Trump administration has previously attempted to limit the scope of DEI initiatives, with mixed reactions from the public and legal challenges to some of its actions.
