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

De: Dante Fortson

Narrado por: Steve Stewart's voice replica

In the hallowed halls of academia, where tradition and mystery often intertwine, few organizations have maintained such a steadfast commitment to secrecy and social advocacy as the LSV society at the University of Missouri. Founded in 1908, this elusive sisterhood emerged during a period of significant social upheaval, providing a clandestine platform for women to challenge the patriarchal structures of higher education. Unlike many other Greek organizations that focused on social net-working or academic prestige, LSV was rooted in a mission of service and the elevation of women’s status on campus. For over a century, its members have operated under a veil of anonymity, known to the public only through their symbolic hood-ed appearances during the university’s annual Tap Day ceremonies.

The history of LSV is not merely a record of a student club, rather, it is a narrative of female agency in the early twentieth century. At a time when women were often excluded from the most influential student leadership roles, the founders of LSV created their own sphere of influence. They operated in the shadows of the university’s older, all-male secret societies, such as QEBH and the Mystical Seven, yet they forged a path that was distinctly their own. The society’s name remains one of its most closely guarded secrets, with members traditionally refer-ring to the organization simply as "The Group." This silence was not just a performance of exclusivity, it was a tactical necessity, allowing women to organize and influence university policy without the immediate scrutiny or dismissal that often accompanied public female activism in the early 1900s.

©2026 Dante Fortson (P)2026 Dante Fortson