color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State ..., subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States ... to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress .... 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (1994 & Supp.2000). Government officials may be sued in their personal capacities for damages for actions they take in their official capacity or otherwise, provided that while acting under col- or of state law, they cause the deprivation of a federal right. Andrews, ¶ 11, 716 A.2d at 217 (citation omitted). An official may raise the defense of a qualified immunity against such claims. S th Cir.1991) (<HOLDING>); Pitts v. Bd. of Educ., 869 F.2d 555, 556
holding that a school principals suspension with pay did not implicate a constitutionally protected property interest holding that suspension with pay was not adverse employment action holding that a twoday suspension with pay does not deprive plaintiff of measurable property interest holding that a suspension with pay does not invade any recognized property interest holding that investigatory suspension with pay was not adverse employment action