diff --git a/lms/envs/aws.py b/lms/envs/aws.py
index fa490a244f..e039219be8 100644
--- a/lms/envs/aws.py
+++ b/lms/envs/aws.py
@@ -182,9 +182,6 @@ COURSES_WITH_UNSAFE_CODE = ENV_TOKENS.get("COURSES_WITH_UNSAFE_CODE", [])
 MITX_FEATURES['AUTOMATIC_AUTH_FOR_LOAD_TESTING'] = ENV_TOKENS.get('AUTOMATIC_AUTH_FOR_LOAD_TESTING')
 MITX_FEATURES['MAX_AUTO_AUTH_USERS'] = ENV_TOKENS.get('MAX_AUTO_AUTH_USERS')
 
-# discussion home panel must be explicitly enabled
-MITX_FEATURES['ENABLE_DISCUSSION_HOME_PANEL'] = ENV_TOKENS.get('ENABLE_DISCUSSION_HOME_PANEL', False)
-
 ############################## SECURE AUTH ITEMS ###############
 # Secret things: passwords, access keys, etc.
 
diff --git a/lms/envs/common.py b/lms/envs/common.py
index fcd92c4c2d..95b2af422e 100644
--- a/lms/envs/common.py
+++ b/lms/envs/common.py
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ MITX_FEATURES = {
     'ENABLE_DISCUSSION_SERVICE': True,
     # discussion home panel, which includes a subscription on/off setting for discussion digest emails.
     # this should remain off in production until digest notifications are online. 
-    'ENABLE_DISCUSSION_HOME_PANEL': True,
+    'ENABLE_DISCUSSION_HOME_PANEL': False,
 
     'ENABLE_PSYCHOMETRICS': False,  # real-time psychometrics (eg item response theory analysis in instructor dashboard)