Miss. Gov.: Education trouble began when 'mom is in the workplace'

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has sparked a debate about working moms after making controversial comments during a Washington Post panel about childhood education.

When asked how American education outcomes became so mediocre, Bryant responded, "To tell the truth, I think parents became, both parents started working and the mom is in the work place."

Bryant quickly followed up, acknowledging that comment may get him "in trouble." He went on to explain that both parents are under pressure in families today and face time constraints.

When the moderator asked Bryant if it's the woman's place to teach children to read, he said ""No, no. But I think there was that loving, nurturing opportunity that both parents had a little bit of time."

Read more about Bryant's comments and watch a clip from the panel on ABCNews.com.

WSBTV