What's Happening?
The State Department has announced a return to Times New Roman as its standard typeface, reversing a previous decision to use Calibri. This change is part of an effort to restore decorum and professionalism
in official communications, as stated in a recent action request. The decision also aims to abolish what is described as a wasteful Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) program. The move comes amid broader changes in font preferences across various government departments. For instance, the Justice Department will switch to Comic Sans, and the Department of Transportation will adopt Goudy Old Style. These changes reflect a shift in the administration's approach to typography, emphasizing traditional and sometimes unconventional choices.
Why It's Important?
The decision to revert to Times New Roman highlights a broader cultural and administrative shift within the government, reflecting a pushback against recent trends in accessibility and modern design. This move could signal a prioritization of traditional aesthetics over accessibility considerations, potentially impacting how government communications are perceived by the public. The choice of fonts like Comic Sans and Papyrus by other departments may also influence public perception, as these fonts carry specific connotations that could affect the perceived professionalism and seriousness of official documents. The changes could have implications for how government agencies communicate with the public and how they are viewed in terms of modernity and inclusivity.
What's Next?
As the State Department and other agencies implement these font changes, there may be reactions from various stakeholders, including accessibility advocates and design professionals. These groups might express concerns about the impact on readability and inclusivity, particularly for individuals with disabilities who benefit from more accessible font choices. Additionally, the broader public and media may scrutinize these changes, potentially leading to discussions about the priorities and values of the current administration. It remains to be seen whether these font changes will be permanent or if they will prompt further revisions in response to public feedback.
