Supreme Court hears first challenge in generation to using race in college admission process.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Stephen Henderson

WASHINGTON _ The Supreme Court heard its first challenge in a generation to using race in the college admission process Tuesday as two of its centrist justices emerged as the most conflicted members of the high court.

Justices Anthony M. Kennedy and Sandra Day O'Connor expressed consternation about the role affirmative action should play in American life.

In a courtroom filled with cultural icons and political dignitaries who came to witness the historic arguments, both justices expressed strong doubts about the assertions _ made by white students who were rejected by the University of Michigan _ that race is an impermissible factor for colleges to consider.

But Kennedy and O'Connor also asked pointed questions of the university's attorneys about whether Michigan's programs go beyond legality and how long they might need to be in place.

O'Connor's varying points of view on the issue have been discussed almost since ...