diff --git a/webapp/web/js/menupage/browseByVClass.js b/webapp/web/js/menupage/browseByVClass.js
index 18dbd9dcf..ee8dfa6c7 100644
--- a/webapp/web/js/menupage/browseByVClass.js
+++ b/webapp/web/js/menupage/browseByVClass.js
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@ var browseByVClass = {
     
     // Load individuals for default class as specified by menupage template
     defaultVClass: function() {
-        this.getIndividuals(this.defaultBrowseVClassUri);
+        if ( this.defaultBrowseVClassURI != "false" ) {
+            this.getIndividuals(this.defaultBrowseVClassUri);
+        }
     },
     
     getIndividuals: function(vclassUri, alpha) {