In Re Dillard Department Stores, Inc.

OPINION

DAVID WELLINGTON CHEW, Justice.

In this original proceeding, Relators Dillard Department Stores, Inc. and Grizelda Reeder (collectively “Dillard’s”) seek mandamus relief from an order denying their motion to compel arbitration of a defamation claim by former employee Andrea Martinez. Because Ms. Martinez’s defamation claim did not fall within the scope of the arbitration agreement, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to compel arbitration. We therefore deny the requested writ of mandamus.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Andrea Martinez began her employment with…