Many African American leaders believed that the focus on industrial education was too narrow and did not adequately prepare students for a variety of careers. They also felt that it perpetuated the stereotype of African Americans as being fit only for manual labor. Washington, on the other hand, believed that industrial education was the best way to prepare African Americans for the jobs that were available to them at the time. He also argued that it would help to break down racial prejudice by showing that African Americans were capable of learning and performing skilled work.
The debate over industrial education was a major source of tension between Washington and other African American leaders, including W.E.B. Du Bois. Du Bois argued that African Americans needed a broader education that would allow them to participate in all aspects of society. He believed that industrial education was too limiting and that it would prevent African Americans from achieving their full potential.
The rift between Washington and Du Bois eventually led to the formation of two separate organizations: the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was led by Du Bois, and the National Negro Business League, which was led by Washington.