diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/serializers.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/serializers.py
index 75da9986b6..b53a35db8d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/serializers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/serializers.py
@@ -164,9 +164,11 @@ class _ContentSerializer(serializers.Serializer):
         Returns a boolean indicating whether the content should be anonymous to
         the requester.
         """
+        user_id = self.context["request"].user.id
+        is_user_staff = user_id in self.context["staff_user_ids"]
         return (
             obj["anonymous"] or
-            obj["anonymous_to_peers"] and not self.context["is_requester_privileged"]
+            obj["anonymous_to_peers"] and not is_user_staff
         )
 
     def get_author(self, obj):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_serializers.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_serializers.py
index 9b92573c62..d25049ce60 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_serializers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_serializers.py
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ class SerializerTestMixin(ForumsEnableMixin, CommentsServiceMockMixin, UrlResetM
         (FORUM_ROLE_MODERATOR, True, False, True),
         (FORUM_ROLE_MODERATOR, False, True, False),
         (FORUM_ROLE_COMMUNITY_TA, True, False, True),
-        (FORUM_ROLE_COMMUNITY_TA, False, True, False),
+        (FORUM_ROLE_COMMUNITY_TA, False, True, True),
         (FORUM_ROLE_STUDENT, True, False, True),
         (FORUM_ROLE_STUDENT, False, True, True),
     )
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ class SerializerTestMixin(ForumsEnableMixin, CommentsServiceMockMixin, UrlResetM
         """
         Test that content is properly made anonymous.
 
-        Content should be anonymous iff the anonymous field is true or the
+        Content should be anonymous if the anonymous field is true or the
         anonymous_to_peers field is true and the requester does not have a
         privileged role.