Rice Purity Test

Thresher Rice Purity Test — Campus Origins & Ethics

Context: The Rice Thresher (the university newspaper) keeps the Purity Test tradition alive each year for Orientation Week. Their version mixes nostalgia with modern consent language. This page summarises how the Thresher handles the checklist and how you can participate respectfully without confusing it with fan-made clones.

Collage showing Rice campus landmarks and checklist icons

What makes the Thresher version unique?

  • Student-led stewardship. Each O-Week team reviews the list, trims outdated phrases, and adds context about consent. The Thresher publishes the final list and invites stories from the incoming class.
  • Community storytelling. Submissions often include anecdotes, not just scores, helping reframe the quiz as a bonding prompt rather than a scoreboard.
  • Clear safety disclaimers. The intro reminds students that the list is not a bucket list—and that consent, sobriety, and wellbeing matter more than any score.

Comparing Thresher vs. our privacy-first version

| Feature | Thresher list | myricepuritytest.online | | --- | --- | --- | | Questions | Classic 100 with annual tweaks | Classic 100 with neutral phrasing and SFW toggle | | Data storage | Story submissions handled by the Thresher | No submissions collected; scores stay local | | Access | Web checklist + PDF reprints | Interactive test with offline-friendly share cards | | Focus | Campus bonding & oral history | Global audience, privacy-first UX |

How to cite or link the Thresher version

  1. Use official links. Share the current Thresher page or Instagram (@realricepurity) so traffic supports the student newsroom.
  2. Credit the origin. Mention that the version stems from Rice University orientation traditions, not from unaffiliated meme sites.
  3. Highlight consent language. If you remix the list, keep their safety disclaimers intact.
  4. Avoid monetising their list. Selling ad-heavy clones or paywalled copies undermines student work.

FAQs

Does the Thresher publish every submission?
No. They curate stories to remove identifying details and to keep the tone respectful.

Can non-Rice students participate?
Yes, but remember it’s a campus tradition. Treat it as a cultural artifact, not a competition.

Are there copyright concerns?
The questions themselves are widely circulated, but the Thresher’s writeups and presentation are protected. Always credit them when sharing their version.

How can I support the Thresher?
Read their coverage, share responsibly, and consider donating if you rely on their reporting.

Continue exploring