Fortson's Signs, Symbols, and Secret Societies: LSV

The LSV society at the University of Missouri, founded in 1908, is a secretive women's organization dedicated to service and elevating women's roles in higher education amid a backdrop of social upheaval. Operating under a veil of anonymity and known publicly only through symbolic appearances, the society has historically provided a clandestine platform for female agency, challenging traditional gender roles within the university's academic landscape. Its history reflects a pursuit of influence and advocacy, operating in the shadows of other secret societies to create a unique space for women’s empowerment.