diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index d2edeb5e6f..ac706b4c6b 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -99,6 +99,8 @@ services:
       - mysql
       - memcached
       - mongo
+    environment:
+      NO_PYTHON_UNINSTALL: 1
     image: edxops/edxapp:latest
     ports:
       - "18000:18000"
@@ -110,6 +112,8 @@ services:
       - mysql
       - memcached
       - mongo
+    environment:
+      NO_PYTHON_UNINSTALL: 1
     image: edxops/edxapp:latest
     ports:
       - "18010:18010"