Although Social Security funds are in decline and no solution is evident, few politicians have the temerity to try to change the system. Why? Because Social Security is the third rail in politics: if one touches it, he or she will die. The field of education has an issue that is equally as lethal: grading. Grading is one of the most private experiences for students and teachers in the learning process. Usually, a teacher's grading protocols, which can be harmful to students, originate from his or her own experiences as a student. To implement universal and consistent grading practices, strong leaders and the willingness to tackle deeply rooted and harmful grading traditions are required. In this article, the author discusses several lethal grading practices that he feels are in need of immediate reform.