Do I have enough safeties?

[1NJParent]

The REU program does seem to give preferences to certain groups, according to this NSF publication:

REU projects offer an opportunity to tap the nation’s diverse student talent pool and broaden participation in science and engineering. NSF is particularly interested in increasing the numbers of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in research. REU projects are strongly encouraged to involve students who are members of these groups. (Underrepresented minorities are African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders.) When designing recruitment plans, REU projects also are encouraged to consider students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and first-generation college students.

https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19582/nsf19582.htm