U.S. legislators are introducing the Stop Harmful and Abusive Telecommunications Expression (HATE) Act of 2019 to Congress to learn more about how people spread hate online, which is a good first step toward preventing further shootings.

Smollett’s publicity stunt is disrespectful to those who have had to face such violent discrimination, and this case is not worthy of the headlines and publicity that encompass it.

“We’ve seen a really disturbing trend in Pittsburgh in the last 6 months with hate-related incidents,” Dave Breingan, the executive director of Lawrenceville United, said.