The Reality of Academic Freedom of Professors at Saudi Government Universities: Challenges and Solutions in View of Vision 2030

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of Academic Freedom in Saudi government universities. It identified the challenges facing the academic freedom, and then proposed solutions to overcome them in view of vision 2030 goals from the point of view of faculty members. The study was carried out using a descriptive research design. Interviewing was adopted as the instrument for this study. A cohort of 20 professors from three universities - King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and King Faisal University- participated in the study. The results of the study revealed that the degree of academic freedom was low in three fields: research, decision-making, and expressing opinions. However, the degree of academic freedom was high in terms of teaching. Regarding challenges, the results revealed four factors that obstructed professors' freedom. These included the conservative nature of the Saudi society, the nature of academic environment, bureaucracy, and financial support. The study contained some effective solutions to overcome challenges that obstructed academic freedom. Recommendations for academic freedom at universities involved autonomy to universities, issuance of code of ethics, raising awareness on the need for academic freedom by way of organizing conferences, seminars, programs, and collaboration with other institutions.