Talk:Salem/@comment-28782153-20160712063031/@comment-4010415-20160712092415

Actually, protecting the Maidens is not the only reason the Ozluminati was founded. In Fall, Goodwitch outright said that "Our group was founded in order to protect both mankind and the Maidens."

And I think it's pretty obvious that they do know about Salem.

Part of the conversation in Fall:

Qrow: Honestly, we've run out of time. I don't know if you've not noticed, but things are getting a lot scarier out in the world. Tensions are high. Grimm are growing stronger, more prevalent. And it's not going to be long before the peace we've been enjoying for so long goes out the window.

Pyrrha: You're not... talking about a war?

Ironwood: Not a war between nations.

Qrow: We can fill you on the details once we know that you're with us.

I'm pretty sure they mean war against Salem and her Grimm, considering Ironwood said "Not a war between nations" (though, that's going to happen. They just didn't know it at the time), and the song Divide talks about Ozpin waging war against Salem ("Train them to fight what they can't beat" = Salem thinks that mankind can't defeat the Grimm).

In It's Brawl in the Family, Qrow says "I've been out there and I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you - they are fear." In the director's commentary, they confirmed that, by "she", Qrow means Salem. Qrow openly talked about seeing what Salem has made in front of Ironwood and Glynda. Obviously, they know about her.