diff --git a/osf/utils/machines.py b/osf/utils/machines.py
index 2cb1ead8ff6..9687e19749d 100644
--- a/osf/utils/machines.py
+++ b/osf/utils/machines.py
@@ -202,7 +202,6 @@ def save_changes(self, ev):
         if ev.event.name == DefaultTriggers.ACCEPT.value:
             if not self.machineable.target.is_contributor(self.machineable.creator):
                 contributor_permissions = ev.kwargs.get('permissions', permissions.READ)
-                make_curator = True if self.machineable.request_type == NodeRequestTypes.INSTITUTIONAL_REQUEST.value else False
                 try:
                     self.machineable.target.add_contributor(
                         self.machineable.creator,
@@ -210,7 +209,7 @@ def save_changes(self, ev):
                         permissions=contributor_permissions,
                         visible=ev.kwargs.get('visible', True),
                         send_email=f'{self.machineable.request_type}_request',
-                        make_curator=make_curator,
+                        make_curator=self.machineable.request_type == NodeRequestTypes.INSTITUTIONAL_REQUEST.value,
                     )
                 except IntegrityError as e:
                     if 'Curators cannot be made bibliographic contributors' in str(e):