U.S. State Department Bans Calibri Font in Push Against DEI Initiatives

The U.S. State Department has officially banned the Calibri font. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the directive this week. The order mandates a switch to Times New Roman for all official documents.

This move reverses a 2023 policy adopted under the previous administration. According to a memo obtained by the New York Times, the change aims to restore traditional standards. The decision is part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI-focused policies.

Calibri Deemed a Symbol of “Degradation” in Official Correspondence

The internal memo from Secretary Rubio was explicit in its criticism. It stated the use of Calibri contributed to a perceived decline in professionalism. The font was originally chosen for its accessibility benefits.

Calibri is a sans-serif typeface. Its clean lines can aid readers with dyslexia or low vision. The 2023 adoption was led by the department’s since-disbanded DEI office.

Rubio’s memo acknowledged the font was not the most egregious DEI example. However, he framed its removal as necessary for decorum. The shift back to Times New Roman is now immediate department policy.

Font Change Sparks Debate on Tradition Versus Accessibility

The decision highlights a cultural clash within government institutions. Font choices, while seemingly minor, often carry significant symbolic weight. This action prioritizes a traditional aesthetic over modern accessibility guidelines.

Reactions have been mixed across the political spectrum. Many professionals have long-held opinions about font preferences. The New York Times noted internal complaints about Calibri emerged back in 2023.

The broader impact centers on accessibility. Sans-serif fonts like Calibri are widely recommended for readability. The State Department’s reversal may affect how easily some individuals can process official communications.

The State Department font ban underscores how political directives can reshape mundane details of governance. This shift from Calibri to Times New Roman marks a clear ideological turn. It remains a tangible example of policy changes affecting everyday function.

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Why was the Calibri font banned?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio banned Calibri in a push against DEI initiatives. The memo called the font a contributor to the “degradation” of official correspondence. It orders a return to Times New Roman to restore tradition.

What does DEI have to do with a font?

The Calibri font was adopted in 2023 under a DEI accessibility initiative. Its sans-serif design was chosen to aid readers with vision impairments or dyslexia. The policy was reversed as part of the current administration’s anti-DEI directives.

What font is replacing Calibri?

The State Department is replacing Calibri with Times New Roman. This serif font is considered more traditional and formal. Secretary Rubio’s memo designates it as the new official standard.

Will this change cost taxpayer money?

An immediate financial cost is unlikely. Both Calibri and Times New Roman are standard, pre-installed fonts on government systems. The primary cost is the time spent reformatting existing document templates.

Could other government agencies follow suit?

It is possible. This action sets a precedent for aligning visual identity with political directives. Other departments reviewing DEI-era policies may consider similar symbolic changes.