[isisjade]

So what page should I associate with the discussion forums in buddypress if not the forums page as described in the documentation as I’ve pasted below? Even with a forum page titled differently and the slugs named differently (ensuring no duplication) the issue is still present.

Note: I did NOT enable group forums.

Here are the instructions I have followed:

https://codex.buddypress.org/user/setting-up-a-new-installation/installing-group-and-sitewide-forums/
A. Set Up Sitewide Forums only

Install and activate bbPress.
Proceed to bbPress.org Codex to get started in creating your Sitewide Forums.
If you kept the default “forums” slug in Settings > Forums, you can create a new Page via Pages > Add New. Add Title “Forums” and insert the forums index shortcode and/or other bbPress shortcode you’ll find in the bbPress Codex then publish the new page.
Add new “Forums” Page in your custom menu via Appearances > Menu.

[isisjade]

no, you misunderstood. group forums are not enabled – this is not the problem.

[isisjade]

I’ve also attempted to use the default forum base: forums and topic base: topics as well as change name of the page to Forums, but I continue to have the same issue. Any ideas/suggestions?