The title of this book – Why EDI Matters – is a statement, not a question. It asserts that equ(al)ity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are fundamental to democratic societies and strong institutions. Yet today, these principles face growing resistance, from backlash in U.S. higher education to conservative reactions targeting EDI in parts of Europe. This timely collective volume provides a critical yet constructive analysis of EDI in prestigious European universities, situating these challenges within a broader global context. It examines the political pressures, institutional complexities, and transformative potential of embedding EDI in higher education. At a moment when social justice, academic freedom, and democratic values are under threat, Why EDI Matters states that advancing EDI is not optional. It is essential for building resilient institutions and safeguarding the principles that sustain equitable, inclusive, and egalitarian societies.