The personal liability of community college administrators and trustees hinges on the judicial interpretation of 42 USC Section 1983, the Civil Rights Act of 1871. That federal statute allows individuals such as students and teachers to recover money damages from those state officials who have violated their federal rights. Addressed to the non-legal-scholar, this paper was designed to inform community college officials of their potential liabilities as public officials and to provide useful background information through a review of pertinent cases. Topics covered include: (1) why sue the official in his individual capacity? (2) the immunity standard prior to 1974; (3) the new standard of official immunity as set forth in Wood v. Strickland; (4) some related issues (what about private junior college officials? who pays the attorneys? what about insurance?). This paper is recommended to all community college officials concerned about the constitutional validity of their actions and/or personal financial loss. (Author)