Key Takeaways
- The US Secretary of State has ordered diplomats to return to using Times New Roman font in official communications, reversing a previous decision to adopt Calibri.
- The decision to switch to Calibri was made by the previous administration, citing its accessibility for people with disabilities.
- The current administration views the use of Calibri as a "wasteful" diversity move and believes that Times New Roman is a more professional font.
- The decision has sparked debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government and private sector.
- Some studies suggest that sans-serif fonts, such as Calibri, are easier to read for those with certain visual disabilities.
Introduction to the Font Debate
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has recently ordered diplomats to return to using Times New Roman font in official communications, reversing a decision made by his predecessor, Antony Blinken, to adopt Calibri. According to an internal department cable seen by Reuters, the decision to switch back to Times New Roman was made in an effort to "restore decorum and professionalism" to the Department’s written work products. The cable stated that typography plays a significant role in shaping the professionalism of an official document and that Calibri is considered an informal font compared to serif typefaces like Times New Roman.
The Previous Decision to Adopt Calibri
The decision to adopt Calibri was made by the previous administration in early January 2023, with the goal of making official communications more accessible to people with disabilities. Calibri is a modern sans-serif font that is the default font in Microsoft products, and it was chosen because it does not have the decorative angular features that can make it difficult for some people to read. The previous administration believed that using Calibri would make official communications more inclusive and easier to read for those with certain visual disabilities. However, the current administration has viewed this decision as a "wasteful" diversity move, and has chosen to reverse it in favor of the more traditional Times New Roman font.
The Rationale Behind the Decision
The cable sent to all US diplomatic posts on December 9 stated that the decision to return to Times New Roman was made in order to "abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program" and to align with the President’s One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations directive. The directive emphasizes the importance of presenting a unified, professional voice in all communications, and the current administration believes that Times New Roman is a more professional font than Calibri. The decision has sparked debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government and private sector, with some critics arguing that such programs are discriminatory against white people and men and have eroded merit-based decision making.
The Broader Context of DEI Programs
The debate over the use of Calibri versus Times New Roman is part of a larger conversation about the role of DEI programs in the government and private sector. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with many organizations implementing programs aimed at promoting equity and inclusion. However, these programs have also faced backlash from some critics, who argue that they are unnecessary and even discriminatory. The current administration has been vocal in its opposition to DEI programs, with the President directing the firing of diversity officers at federal agencies and pulling grant funding for a wide range of programs. This move has been seen as part of a broader effort to roll back diversity initiatives and promote a more traditional approach to governance.
The Impact of Font Choice on Accessibility
Despite the current administration’s decision to return to Times New Roman, some studies suggest that sans-serif fonts like Calibri are actually easier to read for people with certain visual disabilities. For example, people with dyslexia may find it easier to read text in a sans-serif font, as the lack of decorative features can make it easier to distinguish between letters. Additionally, sans-serif fonts can be more readable on digital screens, where the resolution may not be high enough to render serif fonts clearly. However, the current administration has chosen to prioritize the perceived professionalism of Times New Roman over the potential accessibility benefits of Calibri.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to return to Times New Roman font in official communications is a complex issue that reflects a broader debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the government and private sector. While the current administration has framed the decision as a move to restore professionalism and decorum, others have argued that it is a step backwards in terms of accessibility and inclusivity. As the debate over font choice continues, it is clear that the issue is about more than just aesthetics – it is about the values and priorities of the organization, and the kind of message it wants to convey to the world.