State Department returns to Times New Roman 14‑pt, reversing 2023 Calibri policy

The U.S. State Department is reversing its 2023 decision to use Calibri for official communications and is now requiring Times New Roman at 14‑point. A memo titled “Return to Tradition: Times New Roman 14‑Point Font Required for All Department Paper” frames the change as a move to restore formality and align documents with the department’s letterhead.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued the sans‑serif Calibri looked “informal” and clashed with official stationery. Former Secretary Antony Blinken had adopted Calibri in 2023, citing improved accessibility for screen readers and text‑to‑speech tools. The shift back to a serif typeface has prompted debate about readability, accessibility and whether the choice is politically motivated.

Why font choice matters

• Readability vs. accessibility: Serif fonts like Times New Roman are traditionally used in print and can aid small‑type legibility, while sans‑serifs such as Calibri are often preferred for digital readability and can work better with assistive technologies.
• Perception and tone: Typography carries signals — serif faces frequently read as formal and traditional, while sans‑serif faces are seen as modern and informal. Agencies sometimes pick fonts to convey a desired institutional voice.
• Practical impact: A strict 14‑point requirement changes formatting, page counts and templates for official correspondence and may affect printing and archival processes.

Reactions and implications

Critics have raised concerns that replacing Calibri could reduce accessibility for people using screen readers and other assistive tech. Some observers view the move as part of a broader push against diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, given comments in the memo linking Calibri to DEIA efforts.

Supporters of the switch say it restores a dignified, traditional style to diplomatic communications. The debate highlights the tradeoffs between stylistic signals and inclusive design choices in government communications.

What to watch

• Whether the department issues implementation guidance or exceptions for accessibility needs.
• Any follow‑up policies from other agencies adopting similar typographic rules.
• Responses from accessibility advocates and civil‑service stakeholders about practical impacts.

For further reading, see coverage in major outlets and the State Department’s memo (when available). Example reporting: New York Times · Engadget.

Discussion: Does the font a government agency uses matter — and how should agencies balance tradition with accessibility? Share your thoughts below.