diff --git a/cms/envs/common.py b/cms/envs/common.py
index 1767202141..f1440c7292 100644
--- a/cms/envs/common.py
+++ b/cms/envs/common.py
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ from path import path
 MITX_FEATURES = {
     'USE_DJANGO_PIPELINE': True,
     'GITHUB_PUSH': False,
+    'ENABLE_DISCUSSION_SERVICE': False
 }
 
 # needed to use lms student app