What's Happening?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed U.S. diplomats to use Times New Roman 14-point font for official documents, reversing a Biden-era directive that adopted Calibri. The memo, titled 'Return to Tradition,' emphasizes the need for dignity and
formality in government correspondence. The switch to Calibri was initially recommended by the Secretary’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion to address accessibility issues. However, Rubio criticized the change as merely cosmetic and part of a broader DEI initiative that he views as unnecessary.
Why It's Important?
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration's policies and those of the previous administration regarding DEI initiatives. The choice of font, while seemingly minor, reflects broader ideological differences about government priorities and the role of accessibility in public policy. The move could influence how other federal agencies approach similar DEI-related changes and may affect public perception of the administration's commitment to inclusivity.
What's Next?
The State Department will implement the new font standard immediately, affecting all official communications. This change may lead to discussions within other government agencies about their own document standards and DEI policies. Stakeholders in the accessibility community may respond to the decision, potentially advocating for a reconsideration of the policy to better accommodate individuals with disabilities.
