Editing Knights of Columbus (section)

=== Efforts against religious discrimination ===
{{further|History of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic University of America#Chair of American History}}
[[File:Knights of Columbus check presentation to The Catholic University of America.jpg|thumb|The Knights of Columbus presented a check to [[Catholic University of America]] on the steps of the university's McMahon Hall in 1904 to establish a Chair of American History]]
Since its earliest days, the Knights of Columbus has been a "Catholic anti-defamation society".{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|p=153}} In 1914, it established a Commission on Religious Prejudices.{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|p=153}} As part of the effort, the order distributed pamphlets, and lecturers toured the country speaking on how Catholics could love and be loyal to America.{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|p=185}}

The creation of the 4th Degree, with its emphasis on patriotism, performed an anti-defamation function as well as asserting claims to Americanism.{{sfn|Salvaterra|2002}}{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|pp=138–143}} In response to a defamatory "bogus oath" circulated by the KKK,{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|pp=169–175}} in 1914 the Knights set up a framework for a lecture series and educational programs to combat anti-Catholic sentiment.{{sfn|Kauffman|1982|p=178}}