diff --git a/backend/src/main/groovy/edu/internet2/tier/shibboleth/admin/ui/service/UserBootstrap.groovy b/backend/src/main/groovy/edu/internet2/tier/shibboleth/admin/ui/service/UserBootstrap.groovy
index 33d93564c..4ca5b435b 100644
--- a/backend/src/main/groovy/edu/internet2/tier/shibboleth/admin/ui/service/UserBootstrap.groovy
+++ b/backend/src/main/groovy/edu/internet2/tier/shibboleth/admin/ui/service/UserBootstrap.groovy
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ class UserBootstrap {
                     it.password = password
                     it.firstName = firstName
                     it.lastName = lastName
-                    it.roles.add(role)
+                    it.roles = [role]
                     it.emailAddress = email
                     it
                 }